The Peaceful Warrior

“Revenge proves its own executioner” - John Ford “Revenge proves its own executioner” - John Ford

For the Parent::Battle Cry

Last week we talked about how the Warrior Poet lives out the power of Temperance and holds himself to a higher moral standard. As an extension of that, this week we’re talking about revenge. Since payback is our natural tendency as humans, there’s something incredibly powerful about an individual who exercises a high level of self-control by saying “no” to vengeance. There’s something powerful about an individual who exercises a high level of self-control by saying “no” to vengeance. You don’t want your sons to be doormats who let themselves be walked all over, but neither do you want them to grow up to be impulsive or vengeful. The Warrior Poet is well-balanced, self-controlled, and will defend himself and others if necessary - but he is never consumed with petty grudges or the desire to repay evil with more evil. The Warrior Poet is never consumed with petty grudges or the desire to repay evil with more evil. Read more below and be sure to share with your Warrior Poet!

For Your Son::Call to Arms

Vengeance is as natural as breathing. When someone says something nasty, does something mean or treats us unfairly, it is only natural for us to want to exact some sweet sweet revenge. But if you do so, are you really any better than they are? Of course not. It’s understandable to be angry, but the Warrior Poet knows that striking back at someone in anger will only extend the cycle of hurt – and in the end it will only further hurt ourselves and others. Marcus Aurelius, the ancient Roman Emperor and philosopher, once said “the best revenge is to be unlike him who performed the injury”. “The best revenge is to be unlike him who performed the injury” –Marcus Aurelius

That doesn’t mean that we shouldn’t defend ourselves or others, it just means that we shouldn’t react out of rage. The Warrior Poet holds himself to a higher standard and has control over his mind, his body and his emotions. That is the true meaning of Temperance. The Warrior Poet has control over his mind, his body and his emotions. That is the true meaning of #Temperance.

Weekend Activity

Now that we’ve discussed how the Warrior Poet is a Peaceful Warrior who doesn’t engage in revenge, discuss with your Warrior Poet how he should react when he’s been mistreated. An example would be if someone has picked on him at school, made fun of him, etc. Give him a scenario, ask him how he’d respond to that person and then discuss his answer to make sure he’s equipped to respond like a Warrior Poet the next time it happens.